March 28, 2014 (Friday )
“Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:29-32 MSG).
These words from the Apostle Paul are from a composition known as “The Letter to the Ephesians,” which in fact is a general letter to all believers. If we follow the writing line by line, we will discover that the first statements made in that treatise concern the amazing love of God that wishes to bless everyone. He sent His only Son into the world to bring us together as His people. Jesus Christ has torn down the walls which separate us. Now we need to cooperate with Father, Son and Holy Spirit in spreading His love to everyone everywhere.
It is imperative that we live for Christ, in deed and word. Paul’s prayer is that “you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:18-19 MSG).
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer
(Psalm 19:14 NKJV).